Muslims to meet in Manukau: theme will be peace and harmony

Press Release – Ahmadiyya Muslim Community NZ
Hundreds of Ahmadi Muslims are gathering in Manukau for the 24th Annual Religious Convention on Saturday. The theme is ‘Muhammad’ (Peace be upon him), giving prominence to The Holy Prophet of Islam and his true teachings of universality, peace and harmony to mankind.

Mr Mohammad Iqbal, National President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, believes that understanding the true message of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is critical in removing the stigma of violence and aggression associated nowadays with Islam due to actions of a minority of fanatics, and defending the honour of Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is a lifelong task for all true Muslims.

“The non-Islamic practices of unjustified aggression and violence against the innocent by some so-called Muslims have generated reactions by non-Muslims including defaming the character of our beloved Holy Prophet. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has repeatedly condemned both these actions globally and has been engaged in educating the public of the true values of Islam and pristine purity of the character of the Holy Prophet Muhammad pbuh, Mr Iqbal says.

The Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad in a faith-inspiring address in London while commenting on the news that certain religious scholars in Pakistan had declared 2013 as the ‘Year of Defending the Honour of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)’, said:

“Do not limit this spirit to a single year but keep this light burning every day, of every year, until either you breathe your last, or until that day when the entire world comes under the banner of the Holy Prophet.”

His Holiness continued,

“Every Ahmadi Muslim should see out this year and welcome the New Year with such sincere prayers and worship that the Heavens are shaken. Submit your melted hearts before Allah so that the entire world comes to embrace the loving and peaceful message of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.”

In a special session for guests and dignitaries starting at 11.00 am, the central missionary Maulana Shafiq-ur-Rehman will speak on The Holy Prophet of Islam’s tolerance and respect for religious sentiments.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a religious organisation, international in its scope. It is acknowledged worldwide for its sincere efforts to promote peace.

The Ahmadiyya annual convention is celebrated internationally in countries all over the world including Australia, England, Germany, Canada and the United States of America, with tens of thousands of participants.

The convention will be held at 20 Dalgety Drive, Wiri Manukau on Saturday, January 26 starting at 11:00am. The event is open to the public with refreshments and lunch provided by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.